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Effective January 1, 2019

On September 26, 2018, Governor Jerry Brown approved Assembly Bill No. 2103 that goes into effect on January 1, 2019. This bill requires CCW courses of training be at least eight hours but not be required to exceed 16 hours. Assembly bill 2103 also requires the CCW course of training to include instruction on firearm handling, shooting technique, and to include a demonstration, by the applicant, of shooting proficiency and safe handling of each firearm the applicant will be licensed to carry. The training will include live-fire exercises conducted on a firing range. A licensing authority shall establish, and make available to the public, the standards it uses when issuing licenses with regards to the required live-fire shooting exercises, including, but not limited to, a minimum number of rounds to be fired and minimum passing scores from specified firing distances.

The minimum qualification course for The Kern County Sheriff's Office will be 12 rounds: 4 rounds at 5 yards, 2 rounds gun hand only then 2 rounds support hand only from 5 yards, and 4 rounds at 7 yards. The passing score is 75% which equals missing 3 rounds outside the bottle outline on a standard FBI-Q target or its equivalent. Vendors course of fire might be different but will include the minimum standard requirements.

Starting January 01, 2019 all applications or changes will need to show proof of qualification, for each gun listed on the permit, before your permit can be approved.

General Information

Learning the laws regulating the use of firearms is a must for responsible ownership. Local regulations differ and laws vary from state to state. Citizens must check with the jurisdiction where the firearm is to be used.

In California, the Sheriff and his staff are required to follow strict state and local guidelines when performing the necessary background checks for issuing Concealed Carry Weapon licenses. Due to the detailed nature involved with conducting these background checks, appointment times and processing times can take multiple weeks.

If the applicant is RENEWING a Concealed Carry Weapon license in Kern County, they may not apply until 30 days before the expiration date listed on their current Concealed Carry Weapon license.

Gaining competency with firearms is like learning to drive a car or fly an airplane. You need expert instruction and practice. There is no shortcut. If you are not willing to invest the time and effort to become competent, then having a firearm and trying to use it can, in many instances, be more hazardous than any impending threat.

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Answering all the questions on this standard application does not guarantee the issuance of a Concealed Carry Weapon license. The determination whether to issue the license is at the discretion of the licensing authority. Pursuant to California Penal Code section 26160, each licensing authority will have a written policy summarizing their requirements for issuance of a Concealed Carry Weapon license. In addition, prior to issuing a Concealed Carry Weapon license, the state statutes require proof that:

The applicant is of good moral character;

Good cause exists to issue the Concealed Carry Weapon license;

The applicant meets residence requirements; and

The course of training prescribed by the licensing authority has been completed.

The following pages include standardized questions to determine whether a Concealed Carry Weapon license shall be issued.

The applicant will certify under penalty of perjury that all answers provided in the application are true and correct to the best of their knowledge and belief. The applicant will also acknowledge that information disclosed on this application may be subject to public disclosure.

Applicant must be a United States Citizen or Permanent Legal Resident

Applicant may not be on any type of probation

Applicant must not have any felony convictions

Applicant must be at least 21 years of age and reside in the County of Kern

Any Applicant with an arrest or conviction in the last five (5) years is generally disqualified.

Training Required

If applying for a NEW Concealed Carry Weapon license, an 8-hour firearms training course must be completed prior to issuance.

If applying for a RENEWAL Concealed Carry Weapon license completion of a 4-hour firearms training course is required prior to issuance.

Authority

California Penal Code sections 26150 and 26155 provide that a Sheriff of a county or the Chief or other head of a municipal police department of any city, or city and county, may issue a license to carry a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person (Concealed Carry Weapon license).

Who May be Issued a License

The licensing authority specified in Penal Code sections 26150 and 26155 (a Sheriff or the Chief or other head of a municipal police department) may issue a license to persons who are of good moral character, who have completed a course of training, and have good cause for issuance of a Concealed Carry Weapon license. All applicants for a Concealed Carry Weapon license will be fingerprinted and state and federal records will be checked to determine if they are eligible to possess firearms. Click here to view all categories that would prohibit a person from possessing firearms and being granted a Concealed Carry Weapon license.

Prior to Filling Out This Application

Be prepared to scan a copy of your valid California driver’s license, which has your current address in Kern County.

Be prepared to scan copies of two (2) of the following “proof of residency” documents showing your current address in Kern County (Proof of Residency (2 items): current utility bill - if you receive electronic bills, the agency provider will need to certify and stamp them, current year property tax statement, vehicle registration, phone bill - but not cell phone bills). - NOT required for Renewals, Modifications or Duplicate Applications.

Be prepared to scan copies of any additional documentation required per Kern County Sheriff's Department CCW policy (i.e. business license, employer verification letter, etc.). Also, you will be required to submit the original copy of your CCW Permit to our office prior to your CCW permit being issued even if a scanned copy is submitted with your application.